Now is the time to schedule your child’s annual well-child visit at RiverView Health. If they also need a sports physical, save time and schedule both in the same appointment. “Well-child visits are crucial for children’s health and development, allowing for the identification of potential problems early on, ensuring they stay on track with their growth and development milestones, and providing necessary immunizations,” shared Natalie Royal, FNP-C. “These visits also offer an opportunity for parents and healthcare providers to discuss concerns, receive anticipatory guidance, and establish a strong, trusting relationship.”
Annual well-child visits are even more critical than usual now to ensure your children are up-to-date on immunizations, including the measles vaccine. Measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000; however, due to declining vaccination rates and increased vaccine hesitancy, a recent surge in cases of the disease leaves many people vulnerable to measles infection. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death, especially in children. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective and is the best way to prevent measles.
Along with immunization maintenance, well-child exams allow for
-Observation of growth and development
-Detection of illness by screening examinations
-Counseling and education of parents and children
-Promotion of mental health
Time to Address Concerns, Get Additional Help
A well-child visit is an excellent opportunity to discuss any concerns you have about your child with their provider. If they are not performing well academically or socially, or if there are family issues, this is a great time to reach out for help. Your provider can help you access various resources, including other medical professionals, counselors (for children and/or families), and local programs.
To get the most out of your child’s visit-
-Prepare a list of topics you would like to discuss with the provider and bring it with you to the visit.
-Do not be afraid to discuss a subject that concerns you.
-Talk to others around you who spend time with your child, such as teachers, grandparents, and parents of peers. They can help you identify any issues you might not have noticed.
Most insurance policies cover the cost of well-child exams.
Sports Physicals Offered at Same Appointment
If your child is entering seventh grade or above and plans to participate in sports, they can get a well-child exam and sports physical at the same appointment. If this is your intention, let the patient access representative know when you call to schedule the appointment. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) requires students to have a physical exam every three years, typically before entering seventh and tenth grades. The sports physical is an opportunity to address exercise-specific issues, including injuries, nutrition, and training and exercise programs, as well as attitudes toward sports participation.
While a RiverView sports physical meets all the requirements for participation in sports as set by the MSHSL, it is not intended to replace a well-child exam. A well-child exam is a more comprehensive examination that includes reviewing immunization records, medical history, and family history. To speed up your child’s in-person appointment, fill out the MSHSL’s sports physical form and bring it to the appointment. The form is available at https://www.mankatoclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025- 2026-MSHSL-Sports-Physical-Form.pdf.
To schedule a well-child exam/sports physical, please call your preferred RiverView Clinic location-
Crookston at (218)281-9595
Fertile at (218)945-6695
Red Lake Falls at (218)253-4606
Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed with school preparations to schedule your child’s well-child visit/sports physical at RiverView Health. Now is the perfect time to check those items off your to-do list and have peace of mind knowing they are starting the school year in good health.
Natalie Royal, FNP-C, visits with a patient during a well-child exam.
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